Summary
Overview
Liz Earle, entrepreneur and well-being expert, discusses her new book 'How to Age' and shares insights on aging well in your 60s and beyond. She challenges the narrative that aging means inevitable decline, emphasizing the importance of circadian rhythm, proper hydration, daylight exposure, and simple lifestyle changes that can make women feel better than ever. The conversation covers skincare, exercise, managing stress, sleep optimization, and practical tips for thriving through perimenopause and beyond.
Reframing Aging: Feeling Better in Your 60s Than Your 40s
Liz Earle challenges society's negative narrative around aging, explaining how she feels fitter, stronger, and happier in her 60s than in her 40s or 50s. She discusses the importance of changing how we think about aging and emphasizes that women don't have to inevitably decline as they get older. She addresses the challenges women face in midlife, including the hormonal changes and being part of the 'sandwich generation,' while offering hope for an upward trajectory.
- Society's images of older women focus on decline (mobility scooters, grey perms) rather than active, thriving women
- Liz feels fitter, stronger, and happier in her 60s than in her 40s and 50s
- Simple pillars of wellness include exercise, lifting weights, eating more protein, cutting carbs, prioritizing sleep, and staying connected to community
- Women face a raw deal as hormones decline and they're squeezed out during the 'sandwich generation' years
" For me in my 60s, I am so much fitter, stronger, happier than I was in my 40s, my 50s. And you know, I hope I can be sitting here in 10 years time and say, hey, my 70s, why can't that upward trajectory continue for women? "
" Outwardly, I probably looked as if I was quite successful and had it all. But inwardly, I really didn't feel that at all. "
The Power of Circadian Rhythm and Light
Liz introduces the concept of circadian rhythm and explains how our relationship with light dramatically impacts aging and cellular health. She discusses mitochondria as the body's batteries and how modern indoor lifestyles, artificial lighting, and lack of natural daylight exposure are harming our health. Early morning daylight exposure without sunglasses is presented as a critical, free intervention for setting up the body's 24-hour clock.
- Mitochondria are like batteries in our cells that give us brain energy and muscle strength but decline as we age
- Modern indoor lifestyles with artificial light and sun avoidance disrupt our relationship with natural light
- Early morning daylight in the eyes (without sunglasses) within 60 minutes of sunrise sets up circadian rhythm
- Opening a window to get daylight in your eyes is free, easy, quick and works
" Getting outside is just such a tonic on so many levels, even if you're not in the countryside. And it's great. And you're moving as well. You know, you're actually moving your body, which is good for your lymph and good for your motivation. "
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